Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy Using Left Bundle Branch Pacing

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) using a novel intraseptal technique to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: His bundle pacing to correct LBBB is a viable alternative approach to achieve CRT but is limited by suboptimal lead delivery and high thresholds.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter study performed between June 2017 and August 2018 at 6 centers. Patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, complete LBBB, and left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs) ≤50% who had indications for CRT and/or ventricular pacing in whom LBBP was attempted were included. Success rates, QRS duration, LVEF, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and improvement in functional class were assessed.

Results: LBBP was successful in 61 of 63 patients (97%, mean age 68 ± 11 years, 52.4% men). During LBBP, QRS duration narrowed from 169 ± 16 to 118 ± 12 ms (p < 0.001). Pacing threshold and R-wave amplitude remained stable at 1-year follow-up compared with implantation values (0.5 ± 0.15 V/0.5 ms vs. 0.58 ± 0.14 V/0.5 ms and 11.1 ± 4.9 mV vs. 13.3 ± 5.3 mV, respectively). LVEF increased significantly (33 ± 8% vs. 55 ± 10%; p < 0.001), with a reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (123 ± 61 ml vs. 67 ± 39 ml; p < 0.001). LVEF had normalized (≥50%) in 75% of patients at 1 year. New York Heart Association functional class improved significantly from 2.8 ± 0.6 at baseline to 1.4 ± 0.6 at 1 year. No deaths or heart failure hospitalizations were observed during follow-up.

Conclusions: LBBP is a feasible and effective method for achieving electric resynchronization of LBBB, with resultant improvements in left ventricular structure and function. Low and stable pacing thresholds may be advantageous over His bundle pacing for CRT in patients with LBBB and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.